This interview was recorded on April 18, 2019, at the Hsiang Kuang Buddhist Centre in Australia. Venerable Yongning, a dedicated practitioner residing at the centre, shares reflections on the recent purification efforts and the ongoing journey of spiritual cultivation under the guidance of Practitioner Su.
Venerable Yongning speaks:
". Recently, everyone has been cultivating a heart of diligent practice, which is truly magnificent. Each person has experienced different breakthroughs during this recent purification process in Australia. Perhaps it is an improvement in overcoming , or a sense of space opening up within the mind, or successfully breaking through the threshold of three thousand prostrations. Maybe it is a more fervent desire to help sentient beings, or perhaps the ability to prepare even more delicious meals for the fourfold assembly to enjoy. Regardless of the form, every single breakthrough is incredibly precious. Namo Amituofo has been bestowing upon the fourfold assembly, responding to their diligence and their sincere vows.
The Pure Land of Service
On this piece of pure land, if one does not stir up waves within their own heart, every day is actually incredibly pure. Using a heart of service to apply oneself to practice—Practitioner Su is the best leader in this regard. Every day, he considers the taste buds of the fourfold assembly, simply wanting to ensure that everyone eats healthily and has the energy they need. The meals at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre can truly be described as having the perfect balance of colour, aroma, and taste. The members of the fourfold assembly who take turns preparing the morning meals also appear to be filled with immense .
Beyond prostrations, reciting the Sutras, and listening to Dharma talks, service is also an excellent form of practice. Through service and interacting with the public, one can truly understand how much of their own personality they have actually changed. It reveals whether one finds it easy to accept the opinions of others. If you discover areas that still require improvement, you can adjust them accordingly. Learning through doing and practising through doing is the very definition of cultivating both blessings and wisdom.
The Wisdom of the Ancient Masters
Practitioner Su, in his Dharma talks, has mentioned four key principles: using the wonderful functions of the Dharma according to conditions, maintaining proper dignity and decorum, being gentle and straightforward, and taking on the suffering of sentient beings. These are all pearls of wisdom left behind by the ancient masters after their own successful practice. Currently, only Practitioner Su is able to take on the suffering of sentient beings. This is something that can only be achieved after long-term practice, accumulating merit and virtue, and possessing a level of moral character that can truly inspire and convince others.
Therefore, the fourfold assembly should first focus on diligently practising the first three principles. These three phrases encompass both the external changes in one's practice and the true internal cultivation of the mind. As one continues this internal adjustment, one will increasingly see their true self-nature and their sincere heart. Resolving conflicts with the beings within one's own body with a heart of sincerity, and truly turning around one's own , is a major priority in learning Buddhism. It is also the prerequisite for saving other beings.
The Truth of Samsara
Practitioner Su’s is a window into the truth of samsara within the universe, present in every blade of grass and every tree. This life offers magnificent Causal Conditions; we should follow Practitioner Su closely. His earnest and painstaking Dharma talks should be met with immediate action. Practice has no end; everything we see and hear is an opportunity for . When we handle the affairs of life with a mind of practice, all troubles are transformed into nothingness. With a mind of equality, everywhere is a Pure Land. Namo Amituofo."
This message was recorded by the disciple Shi Faxin.
